WorldMUN News 2018 Archive

We left Jena very early in the morning to be on time for our meeting with the ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, in Berlin. After a warm welcome we sat down and listened to a talk from the ambassador. He spoke about current Foreign Policy strategies and economic challenges that Egypt has to face, because of its rapidly growing population. The he allowed us to ask our questions concerning our committees at WorldMUN. There we learned about Egypts leading role in the fight against terrorism and extremism. After around two hours we left the embassy with a lot of informative tips for Panama.

Then we opted for a quick lunch near the Federal Foreign Office, where we had our next meeting. Unfortunately, we couldn’t meet wit the responsible desk officer for Egypt Mr. Jahnke, but instead we could talk to Mr. Mauerer, who actually is responsible for Jordan and the African Union. But we could ask all our questions and got very detailed responses from him. Mr. Mauerer also gave us a detailed response about who could be a good negotiating partner for Egypt in Panama.

After this meeting we still weren’t finished in Berlin! We were able to get free entrance to the Neues Museum to see very interesting exhibition, that includes the bust of Nefertiti. By this time our feet were already tired from walking but we still powered through all floors of the museum.

Before we took our train home to Jena we had a small dinner and talked about the different impressions of the day.

On the weekend of January 13 to 14 2018 our delegation took part in the 8th Heidelberg National MUN 2018. We were accompanied by our delegation colleague Merve Okumus. Never before has anyone of us participated in a MUN and we were all very excited and a little bit nervous. Thanks to the preparation of the organizers in Heidelberg it was a great opportunity to gain some experience for this year’s WorldMUN in Panama City. In Heidelberg there were two committees present: The General Assembly and the NATO. Our delegation represented different countries within the General Assembly.

The topic before the General Assembly was Digitalization and Development and gave us the chance to dig into an issue that is very important in the whole world.

Carolin Brandenburg and Oliver Laskowski represented France and were lucky to have a huge contribution in the outcome of the draft resolution, which in the end successfully passed. Thanks to their broad passion concerning this topic, the speeches hold by this delegation were well remembered by all the participants in Heidelberg.

Janine Stibaner and Merve Okumus represented India in the General Assembly. As India’s role is a very significant in the global setting of digitalization, this delegation had the chance to really bring the discussion forward – in the moderated as well as in the unmoderated caucus. Because of their very eager preparation in the weeks before, they had a profound knowledge of all the topics being debated.

Iryna Sheremeta and Olexandra Panova, the delegates of North Korea, offered the most interesting ideas when it comes to digitalization in a globalized world, even though it was by far the most difficult role to engage in. Due to their commitment the whole weekend they managed to support an amendment which finally passed.

Olha Zhuk was assigned to be the representor of Ukraine and could contribute in the debate with specific ideas and demands. Especially her work in the unmoderated caucus discussing with other delegations enriched the debate and contributed to a successful result.

Lara Hoffmann and Lisa Anke had the opportunity to represent Afghanistan with the country most in need for digitalization. In the moderated caucus they explained the special necessity for developing countries in their area and in the unmoderated caucus they connected with other delegation and were signatories of various working papers, amendments and the draft resolution within the process.

All in all, our delegation was very glad to have participated in this special setting of the Neue Aula at the Heidelberg National MUN. Thanks to this opportunity we caught the MUN spirit and cannot wait enlarge our experiences at the WorldMUN in Panama City 2018.

Nine students from Jena will fly to Panama City in March 2018 to take part in the UN simulation of Harvard University. In order to introduce the programme to the Friedrich Schiller University community, all the members of the delegation organized Christmas event with homemade cookies and Glühwein. All the guests had a chance to buy something and in such a way to support this educational trip.

The evening program was moderated by one of the delegates Lara Hoffmann, who introduced not only the whole delegation at the beginning but also made a flashback to past WorldMUNs. The Christmas spirit was then initiated by a jazz vocal contribution by Carolina Rehrmann, a member of the Department of International Relations. Afterwards, Steve Biedermann, a member of the Department of International Organizations and Globalization, presented the German Society for the United Nations and informed about the history, goals and activities of the DGVN. He pointed, that WorldMUN is a unique opportunity for students to see learn deeply about the work of the UN and in such a way encouraged students to apply next years. The following thing, that was presented was the historical film „Merry Christmas“ for the Christmas Peace 1914, which was arranged by the delegate Janine Stibaner. Before a short program break, Franziska Sandt, a lecturer at the Department of International Organizations and Globalization and Faculty Advisor of the WorldMUN Delegation, read a Christmas story from O’Henry.

During a short break, all the guests were able to relax a little bit to try Christmas cookies and Glühwein. Next step of the programme was two Christmas stories in Poetry Slam style read by the author. After that three members of WorldMUN delegation 2018 from Ukraine Iryna Sheremeta, Olexandra Panova and Olha Zhuk told some facts about Ukrainian Christmas traditions. To conclude, two short poems followed. Scheuermann, one of the professors of Department of International Organizations and Globalization. The evening finished on the high jazz note thanks to a new vocal contribution from Mrs Rehrmann, who once again impressed the audience with her great voice.

After the official program, there was once again the opportunity for a short conversation and sharing of Christmas wishes to each other with Glühwein and cookies. On behalf of the whole delegation, we are grateful for the financial support of the DGVNF, that made this evening possible

Lisa Anke (24), a B.A. student in Political Science and Psychology at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, is interested in how to resolve conflicts worldwide and how to establish peace in conflict-affected areas. She believes in the connection between the psychological dimension and intercultural communication on the one side and politics on the other. She gained experience abroad, e.g. during a student exchange in France and South Africa, as an international volunteer in Colombia and as an Erasmus student in Turkey. Her goal is to work for an international human rights organization. She is looking forward to meet people from all over the world at WorldMUN 2018 and getting insights into diplomatic negotiation strategies and the work of international organizations. In her spare time, she loves attending cultural programs with her friends and travelling to other countries.

Lara Hoffmann (23), a first-semester student in the M.A. program in Political Science at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, completed her undergraduate studies in Political and Educational Science at the University of Erlangen. She strongly believes in the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in today’s globalized world. In her studies, she focuses on international relations, diplomacy as well as peace and conflict studies. WorldMUN provides her with a unique opportunity to work with students from all around the world, enhance her language and diplomatic skills, and develop a profound understanding of the UN system and procedures. Ultimately, she would like to contribute to intercultural understanding and help find solutions to the global challenges that we face today. She is very much looking forward for her first WorldMUN.

Olya Zhuk (23) is finishing her M.A. in Politics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. She already obtained a Master’s in International Relations at Ivan Franko University of Lviv, Ukraine. International organizations have always been her favorite field of studies which is why the UN, particularly the UN Security Council, is the topic of her Master thesis. To her, participating in the World MUN is a great opportunity to both learn how the UN works and apply her theoretical knowledge to real-world issues. She is strongly convinced that the World MUN will be of great value to her professional development and welcomes the chance to contribute to the success of the FSU Delegation during the conference.

Oliver Laskowski, a 25-year old student from Lower Saxony, Germany, is currently enrolled in the M.A. Program in Political Science at Friedrich Schiller University Jena where he focuses on international relations and foreign policy. He completed his B.A. in Political Science and Economics at the University of Mannheim and completed internships in the German Bundestag and at the office of a council faction of the City of Mannheim. An active member of several youth- and student-parliaments, he participates regularly in political seminars throughout Europe. He is looking forward to meeting many new people and learning about their perspectives on current global issues at MUN 2018. Developing his diplomatic skills, engaging in productive political discussions and achieving a deeper understanding of the work of the United Nations are Oliver’s core incentives for participating in MUN 2018. To him, bringing people from all over the world together and having them work on solutions to our most challenging global problems is at the core of the Harvard World Model United Nations 2018 and the reason why it will be a lasting experience.

Janine Stibaner (31), a student in the Master’s Program “Applied Ethics and Conflict Management” at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, is interested in reasoning about moral positions in conflict situations as they arise in medicine, economics, politics as well as bioethics. She successfully completed the workshop „Negotiation and Management of Conflicts,” fulfilling the „Mutual Gains Approach of Harvard University’s Project on Negotiation (PON).” Prior to her Master’s Program, she earned two bachelor degrees in Philosophy/Political Science and Studies of the Ancient Orient. As working for an international organization always involves different cultures, gaining a deeper understanding of cultures and their histories is fundamental to her. She considers the Harvard World Model United Nations a unique opportunity to learn about how to address global issues.

Iryna Sheremeta (23) is a motivated and socially active M.A. student in the Political Science double-degree program at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany) and the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy (Kyiv, Ukraine). From 2016 until 2017 she served as President of the local branch of the European Youth Forum AEGEE (Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l’Europe) in Kyiv. She has extensive international experience as both a volunteer and a professional. Before embarking in her M.A. program, she worked at the Viktor Pinchuk Foundation and the international organization Yalta European Strategy for which she helped organize the 13th Yalta European Strategy Annual Meeting. In addition, she participated in the „Young Leaders“ section at the 14th Yalta European Strategy Annual Meeting. With her interest in reforms, the NGO sector and international organizations, Iryna also completed an internship in the international department of Reanimation Package of Reforms. Iryna believes in learning by doing such, e.g. by getting engaged in committee sessions, intercultural exchanges, panels and educational activities

Carolin Brandenburg (23) just started her first year in the M.A. program in Political Science at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of Rostock, where she was active as a student representative in various committees. WorldMUN provides a great opportunity for her to pursue her academic interest in international relations, especially in conflict resolution and peacekeeping.

Oleksandra Panova (23) studies towards her M.A. in Political Science at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Beforehand, she completed her B.A. in Political Science at Kyiv-Mohyla-Academy, Kyiv (Ukraine). As a response to the crisis in eastern Ukraine, Oleksandra is particularly interested in learning more about peacekeeping activities, conflict resolution, negotiation processes, and the role of international organizations. With her interest in applying different approaches to real-world issues, she frequently participates in workshops, debates or simulation games. She is strongly convinced that global challenges should be solved only through cooperation and dialog on the highest level.

Johannes Säuberlich (21) completed his B.A. in Sociology and Economics at Friedrich Schiller University Jena in 2017 and has started studying towards his M.A. in Sociology. He is very much looking forward to his first WorldMUN experience in Panama. He appreciates the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to understand what it means to be part of a big international organization.